Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. —Henry David Thoreau
Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time. —Katrina Mayer
Glamping: A portmanteau of glamour and camping defined as outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping. – Merriam-Webster
I have an affliction – not sure what to call it, but it is characterized by constant to-do lists, which are continuously being added to and gleefully crossed out upon completion. When I finally sit down to read the newspaper or watch television, there is always the slightly nagging feeling in the back of my psyche, reminding me of just one more thing that I should add to the list before I go to bed.
The solution to this hamster-in-a-wheel way of life? For me, it is camping. My husband, John, at times calls it “glamping” (see above definition). I beg to differ. I mean, all right, we no longer sleep on the ground in a tent – we have a camper. We do not cook over an open fire. And we are not averse to putting up a big screened tent around the picnic table to keep the mosquitoes out. Still, I am cooking over a camp stove. Yes, I do get to take a shower, but I have to pack up my towel and shampoo and trek over to the campground’s shower house. And there is no air-conditioning. Ever.
Nothing takes me out of myself like being outdoors. The sounds, the smells, the views. My sister once asked me, “What do you do all day?” To which I responded, “Nothing”. Which really means I read, I stare at the campfire, I might go on a bike ride or hike, I might play a game with my husband. But what I won’t for sure do is work on my list. And I do not miss my list. Camping finally allows me to relax.
John and I have gone camping every week for the past five weeks. We’re on our way out the door in a few hours. Because we love camping, but also because you’ve got to grab warm Minnesota days while you can get them.
So, I have not been posting to my blog. But, trust me, Minnesota winters are just around the corner, and therefore, so are my regular blog posts.
Right now, I’m busy taking in the JOY of eating outside, reading a book by the light of a campfire, and reveling in the sound of rain as it comes down on top of our camper while we sleep.
I hope you are finding JOY in your summer days too.